Ilkley Harriers news archive 2013

Ilkley Harriers of the Month, August

Caz Farrow

4th W45 and GB team silver at the World Mountain Running Champs

Other nominations were:
Will Buckton - for great performances
Rob Cunningham - for doing both races at Burnsall and performing well in both
Bradley Chapman - for his performance at Burnsall
Nick Pearce - for fell race results at Round Hill & in English Champs
Val Kerr - for her Burnsall 10m result
Alison Eagle - for GB team silver at the World Mountain Running Champs
Norman Bush - for GB team silver at the World Mountain Running Champs

World Masters' Mountain Running Champs, Sat 31 Aug

From Caz Farrow ... a group of 'Master' (old!) Harriers made the journey to Janske Lazne in the Czech Republic for the 13th World Masters' Mountain Running Championships this weekend. 475 veterans, ranging from 35yrs to over 75yrs, finished the 8.6km course which apparently had nearly 800m of climbing. Whilst we were all full of excuses (and later full of beer!) why none of us won an individual medal, there were some stellar performances on a tough course nonetheless. Three of us also contributed to GB's overall tally of 11 medals by winning team silver. Results below in order of racing and position in category:

UTMB, Fri 30 August

From Brian Melia ... The dream began in 2009 when I completed the UTMB in 31hrs 24 mins. I was surrounded by some fabulous athletes. I had entered in a drunken moment at Christmas 2008 after my Bob Graham round, which gives you the required entry qualification. Since that time I have privately wanted to do sub 30 hrs and also as an aside be in the top 100 ultra trail runners in the world. Everything has been thrown at me. In 2010 the event was cancelled after 4 hours due to a little rain. 2011 I finished, but was very slow and frail at the finish for all sorts of reasons. 2012 due to the popularity of the event I could not get a bib, which was just as well due to poor weather forcing the organisers to make a France only race. I decided in Autumn 2012 to start to train for the UTMB 2013 hoping I would get a bib to race. Previously at the 2011 UTMB I made a great friendship with a Japanese runner Chiharu Watanabe. This lead to me entering the Ultra Trail Mount Fuji. I ran this in April 2013 and felt strong finishing well. I had an entry for the UTMB by then so I began to try to put a training program to complete my dream.
This weekend the dream happened....the UTMB set off from the start in Chamonix, France over 168 Km and 9600 metres of climb. The route takes you over the Col du Bon Homme into Italy, through to the almost mid point of Courmayeur. Then over grand col ferret into Switzerland then over Catogne back into France via Vallorcine, a great final stop. Then there is a last blast up over La tete aux vents. This has to be one of the most beautiful sights on any race, even coming close to my Mt Fuji sunrise. The whole of the Mt Blanc massif was illuminated pink and this gave me a huge lift. I was very strong over the last 6 hours moving from 160th to 96th in the end managed to finish in 29 hrs 24 mins 5 secs. There were not many friendly faces at the finish, but some well known runners which made me content with what I had done. I just sat at the finish with an Ilkley friend, Beverley who used to babysit for us which was great. A tidal wave of emotions washed over me as I had finally achieved something of personal satisfaction and I was content. The crowds were unbelievable, Chamonix, at the Ultra Trail Du Mont Blanc is worth a visit for this alone.
What makes the UTMB special....I do not know. It certainly challenges every competitor at all levels. The scenery is stunning. Support at the cols and aid stations is fabulous. The whole race put together is a freak of Mountain sport. What do you need to take part? No idea besides race qualifying points from other Ultra Marathons. And I think a love of the mountains and to be pushed to your limits of mental and physical capabilities. Would I recommend it? Probably not ...it takes it out of you and your family.
I dedicate the race to my Dad who died in November 2012

Mascot Race, Fri 30 Aug

From Dave Wilby ... On Friday night I lined up on the 20 yard line at Leeds Rhinos Headingley stadium, in front of over 15,000 people in the guise of my alter ego, Bertie the Blue Dog. Representing White Cross Vets, I was up against 8 other mascots each with varying degrees of mobility & visibility. A controversial false start prompted by Ronnie the Rhino went unpunished, and as we headed off on the outward leg towards the opposition's 20 yard line, I could see Ronnie reaping the fruits of his deviousness. Reaching the half way point, I dutifully turned at the cheerleader, managed to avoid colliding head-on with the 2 Asda mascots, and gave it everything down the home straight. Through the eye holes (next to useless at the best of times, never mind at speed!) I could see Ronnie breaking the tape closely followed by Tyke the Leeds Carnegie mascot. I managed to consolidate 4th position, and avoid falling over any small children, advertising hoardings, cheerleaders etc. Got the additional bonus of a PB over the rarely run '160 metres with a turn at the cheerleader' distance!

Kilnsey fell race, Tue 27 Aug

Steve Turland reports .. an excellent weekend's racing with 4 races in 4 days - Burnsall, Halton Gill, Hebden Sports and Kilnsey. Camping just outside Grassington, all four races were right on the doorstep, each with a 'show' which meant plenty of activities and races for the kids too. Aside from my victories in the egg and spoon, three legged race and tug of war, the main results were as below ...
Kilnsey: first time at this race for me and what an epic. Starting and finishing in the main arena with large crowds on route, 1 mile in total. It's a lung-bursting sprint up Kilnsey Crag, then an exhilarating descent down into the main arena, with a bit of scree and rope assisted rock scramble thrown in for good measure. At the sharp end, it was another win for Simon Bailey holding off Ted Mason. I was 16th in 10mins 21, and Rob Cunningham 24th in 11 mins13.
Lucy Haines won the U17 ladies and James was third in the U17 men, picking up yet another cash prize and bringng his total winnings to £37 (and is now comtemplating racing as an alternative to a Saturday job!)

Hedben Sports, Mon 26 Aug

Steve Turland reports ... Another great day out with loads of sports/activities for the kids. This time just over a mile with around 400ft. An easy win for Simon Bailey, 'fresh' from his Burnsall victory and 3rd place in the Grasmere Guides race the day before. I was 4th place in 13 mins 32 and James won the U17s over the same course, getting a big trophy and more money.

Halton Gill fell race, Sun 25 Aug

From Steve Turland ...
Lovely low key BOFRA race with great village show. Race was another straight up and down, 1.5m and 750ft. Hector Haines won by a country mile (literally) in 13:47 with Lucy Haines first lady. However I won the important race finishing in 5th place in 16mins 53, but managing to stay ahead of James, my rapidly improving 14 year son (who won the U17s boys and was pleased with his cash prize).

Burnsall 10, Sat 24 August

Henry Heavisides reports ...
There was a strong contingent of Ilkley Harriers at the Burnsall 10. Great results from the ladies team, 1st team (no prize), with Caz Farrow in 3rd place, Kate Archer 4th & Val Kerr 12th. Rob Cunningham led home the men to 2nd placed team (Rob Cunningham, Steve Morley & Henry Heavisides). Rob managed to complete the course in under an hour, which is a very good achievement on a tough course. Hilda Coulsey was 1st F60.
Results

Trophee des Martinaux, Sun 18 Aug

From Kate Archer ...
Martin took time out from holidaying in Switzerland to compete in a local race, Trophee des Martinaux, a 6.6km uphill only run with a tough 1213m climb. Martin was 32nd (of 125) in a time of 1:05:17. Nicholas and Jonathan also joined in - running in the junior races.

Cray Fell Race, Sun 18 Aug

From Jann Smith ... A really nice race which started out on really steep rough ground but then followed a lovely path up to Buckden Pike Trig point and back down. Good junior races too. Results from BOFRA

The Guisborough Grunt, Wed 14 Aug

From Jez Hellewell ... Being up in North Yorkshire for a few days I thought I'd tackle the Guisborough Grunt which I had previously done 3 years back. I remember all too well why they inserted the "grunt" in to the title. The route takes in forest paths & trails that take you to the bottom of the wood before a brutal climb back up through the woods & on to open moorland. You then do a lovely 2 mile loop of the moors before a very fast descent back through the woods to the finish. I haven't raced in a while & it showed. I was very one paced & finished 17th out of 88 in around 47:40. I was 18th in 55:21 in 2010, so I'm reasonably happy. I lost around a minute, & 1 place, waiting for the next runner to show me the correct path at a junction with no race tape, which was frustrating. The winning time was a shade over 40 minutes. Still, good to be racing again ! The Garmin said 6.2 miles.

World Mountain Running Trial, Sun 11 Aug

F A N T A S T I C results from Georgia Malir and Tom Adams at today's selection races in Whinlatter Forest, for the World Championships in September. Georgia WON the junior women's race (ahead of Annabel Mason) and Tom was fourth in his race.Latest: Tom and Georgia have earned selection for the GB team at the forthcoming World Mountain Running Championships:
info.

NVAC 10k, Bispham, Sun 11 Aug

Turner Landscape, Sat 10 Aug

Will Buckton reports ... The penultimate race in the English Fell Championship 2013 took place at the Turner Landscape, a new race on its second running. The terrain was very grassy and runnable and covered Grey Friar, Swirl How, Coniston Old Man, Dow Crag and White Pike. Nick Pearce was 3rd V60.

Parkruns, Sat 10 Aug

Salen Show Hill Race, Thu 8 Aug

From Dick Waddington ... Salen Show Hill Race, Mull. Ilkley had a good haul of prizes at the Salen Show Hill Race. Salen is a small village on the Isle of Mull and the annual show is the kind where there are more Highland cattle on show than entrants in the Hill Race. The prospects for high placings were good with only 5 entrants for the adults race. The 2 mile loop (with not much of a hill) gave a fast course. Dick Waddington was first home in about 15 minutes, with Helen Waddington first (but only) lady home a couple of minutes later - she said it was the easiest 25 quid she had ever earned. Although the race is low key in nature, the disproportionately large Whyte Cup is awarded and will be engraved with my name! No cup for the ladies, much to Helen's chagrin - the Scots are lagging behind in the gender equality stakes it seems, but in their defence she may well have been the first lady to have a go.

Stetford track, Tue 6 Aug

Sally Malir reports ... this was the last meeting at Stretford for the summer season. Georgia ran another 1500m PB by 6 seconds finishing in a time of 4:34.64

Round Hill fell race, Sun 4 Aug

Val Kerr reports ... There was a good haul of prizes for Ilkley Harriers in this race: Emma Barclay 1st F, Sally Malir 3rd F, Val Kerr 1st LV50, Sue Morley 1st LV55, Nick Pearce 1st MV60, and the team prize (2 males and 2 females) going to Emma, Martin, Nick and Sally. Thanks also to Bob and Emma Payne who provided iced water half way up the track to the shooting hut on Denton Moor, much needed relief from the heat of the day and the first time I have ever been served ice cubes in a fell race! Results ...